It's no surprise, the battle for a playoff spot in the west is real and has been going on for months it seems. With the final 10-12 games to close off the season, we are mainly down to a 4-6 team battle.

The bottom 4 teams:

All 4 teams are currently in a 1-2 game losing streak, all dropping in the power rankings, their scheduled games are mostly against rivals in this list. Needless to say that each loss could set teams back as it would allow the gap in the race to get bigger. So who wants it more?

EDM Oilers (GP 72 PTS 77 L10 5-4-0-1)

The Oilers are scheduled to play Kings x2, Ducks x1, Sharks x3, Avs x1 and Yotes x1 in the final stretch. With only 2 other games against non-contending teams, the Oilers can’t afford to lose if they want to stay in this race. No major injuries, they should be able to give it an honest best effort.

COL Avalanche (GP 71 PTS 77 L10 7-3-0-0)

The Avs are scheduled to play LA x1, Ducks x2, Sharks x2, Oilers x1, Preds x1 and Yotes x2, in the final stretch. With only 2 other games against non-contending teams, they need to show that they are capable of winning against the top teams. Still rattled with injuries, they look forward to having Goal Caufield back in the lineup soon to help them make a solid push. 

ANA Ducks (GP 72 PTS 78 L10 6-3-0-1)

The Ducks are scheduled to play LA x1, Avs x2, Flames x1, Oilers x2, Canucks x1 and Yotes x1, in the final stretch. With only 2 other games against non-contending teams, they are in the same situation as the Oilers, they can’t afford to lose the rival games. Injuries seem to be coming to an end and the squad is ready for the battle.

SAN Sharks (GP 72 PTS 78 L10 5-5-0-0)

The Sharks are scheduled to play Avs x2, Flames x2, Oilers x2 and Yotes x1, in the final stretch. With 3 other games against non-contending teams. They will have a direct impact on their fate as they play 4 games against the two teams chasing them in the standing. With JVR coming back any day now, they seem ready for the challenge ahead.

The other 2 teams in reach:

These two teams are potentially at risk depending on their play for the final games. They need to stay in the W column and try to clinch and avoid getting leap frogged by the bottom 4 teams.

CAL Flames (GP 73 PTS 83 L10 6-4-0-0)

The Flames are scheduled to play Sharks x2, Kings x1, Canucks x2, Ducks x1 and Hawks x1, in the final stretch. With 2 other games against non-contending teams, they will need to watch the race but likely won’t have to panic. Their squad is mostly healthy with 4 injured players that should be back within 1-2 weeks.

LOS Kings (GP 71 PTS 84 L10 7-3-0-0)

The Kings are scheduled to play Avs x1, Flames x1, Oilers x2, Canucks x2 and Ducks x1, in the final stretch. With 4 other games against non-contending teams, they have the most favorable schedule of the 6 teams. With only one major injury to Jeff Petry, the squad is healthy and looking to pick up momentum to make a positive playoffs run.

What are your thoughts? Who will be the teams to not make the playoffs in the west?